Flexible Light-Bearing Tunnel Mounting Without Trimming

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for mounting flexible light-bearing tunnels in tunnel skylights require trimming to achieve the correct length, which is laborious, risky, and often requires precise measurement, necessitating special tools and trained personnel, while also risking damage and inefficiency in installation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a light-bearing tunnel composed of a rigid tube and a flexible tube with a spiral coil, where the flexible tube is slid over the rigid tube and stretched to the desired length, eliminating the need for trimming and allowing for easy assembly without tools, with the flexible tube providing elastic pressure and protection against slipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the flexible light-bearing tunnel is trimmed to the required length during final assembly, then the correct length is achieved, but the installation becomes laborious and requires special care and trained personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength precisionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tube is supplied pre-compressed and pre-assembled with the spiral on the rigid tube at the factory, eliminating the need for on-site trimming and preparation. This preliminary assembly ensures correct length and configuration before delivery to the installation site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spiral coil automatically expands when the compressed flexible tube is pulled, self-regulating its length and configuration without requiring manual trimming or adjustment by installers. The system serves itself by converting the compressed state into the operational extended state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the flexible light-bearing tunnel is trimmed during installation, then the correct length is achieved, but the risk of damage increases and special tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength accuracyVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tube is supplied in a compressed, protected state that prevents damage during handling and installation. The rigid tube with spiral acts as a protective structure that maintains the flexible tube's integrity until installation is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible light-bearing tunnel is supplied with excessive length, then adaptability is improved, but trimming is required which increases installation time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tube is supplied in a compressed state that allows it to be stored and handled in a compact form. During installation, it dynamically expands to the required length by pulling the flexible tube, with the spiral automatically unfolding to provide the necessary length without requiring trimming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Illumination intensity

If the flexible light-bearing tunnel is tensioned to maximize light flow, then light transmission is improved, but the installation becomes more complex requiring precise adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spiral coil automatically tensions the flexible tube as it expands from the compressed state, self-regulating the tension to maximize light transmission without requiring manual adjustment by installers. The system self-adjusts to the optimal configuration for light flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for quick, tool-free installation of the light-bearing tunnel to the desired length, ensuring maximum light transmission with minimal bends and curves, simplifying the installation process, and providing flexibility in assembly, while maintaining high efficiency and reducing the risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

the spiral reduces its stroke, preferably to a value slightly larger than the diameter of the wire of the spiral and the elastic tube is assembled between the spiral and the outer surface of the rigid tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2896762B1Mounting method of a flexible light-bearing tunnel in a tunnel skylight

Publication Date: 2018.01.31 FAKRO PP SPOLKA Z O O

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Figure 2b

AI summary

The solution provides a method of assembling of the light-bearing of the tunnel skylight, eliminating the need for trimming, which is to adjust the length of the light-bearing tunnel through its stretching between the inner and outer element of the tunnel skylight in the state after the installation of these elements respectively in the ceiling or wall of the room and the roof.